11 essential home bar tools, according to an expert

We asked Valérie Sideco, founder of VIB Events & Custom Cocktails in Toronto, to share her 11 essential cocktail tools. That includes everything from a Japanese jigger to a Boston shaker. Whether you’re looking to build a beginner mixology kit or just trying to upgrade your home bar setup, these expert picks will help you achieve your mixology goals.

11 essential home bar tools

1. Japanese Jigger

A must-have bar tool that ensures the utmost precision during fast-paced pouring. “I tend to only buy these now. The shape of this jigger is so ergonomic and easy to flip from one side to the other,” Sideco says. 

Stainless Steel Japanese Jigger,
Yukiwa

Stylish and sleek, this Japanese jigger will help you measure out any spirits, syrups and juices to make consistently delicious drinks.

2. Bar Spoon with Muddler

This dual use bar tool is meant to maximize efficiency while saving storage space. To make this Strawberry Bourbon Sour, you need to use the disc muddler base of this tool to muddle strawberries and vanilla syrup.

“There are so many bar tools available, so I tend to gravitate towards ones that are dual use like this one,” Sideco said. 

Stainless Steel Bar Spoon With Muddler Base,
Cocktail Emporium

This is a versatile tool that will help you achieve consistent stirring even in a tall glass. The teardrop style shaft offers optimal grip while stirring, while the disc muddler base is perfect for muddling ingredients like citrus peels and sugar cubes.

3. Mixing Glass

Perfect for cocktails like Martinis or Negronis, this bar tool helps gently dilute your drink for a smooth, well-balanced tasting experience. Tip: chill your mixing glass before use so your drink stays cold.

“A mixing glass allows for full control of the dilution of your product—plus it’s elegant,” Sideco said. 

Traditional Yarai Mixing Glass,
Final Touch

For a sophisticated mixology experience, this heavy, thick-walled mixing glass features a timeless Japanese Yarai weave pattern. It also provides a secure grip when stirring and a precision-pour spout for drip-free service.

4. Wine Opener

While wine openers can include many other tools, its primary function is to safely and efficiently remove the cork from your wine bottle. Use it to pop open a bottle of icewine and make this Riesling Icewine and Cabernet Sauvignon cocktail.

“This multi-use tool can be many things—wine opener, utility knife, bottle opener, tin-lid popper and self-defence [implement] when I’m on my way back to my car late at night!” Sideco said. 

Two-Step Waiter’s Corkscrew,
Final Touch

This multi-use tool is preferred by waiters and sommeliers. The compact design has a 2-step lever design, allowing corks to be removed with minimal effort.

5. Boston Shaker

This two-piece bar tool serves many purposes, from high-volume mixing to chilling, aerating and diluting ingredients all in one. Use it to create everything from the classics to more bespoke cocktails like this Basil Spritz With Pink Peppercorn.

“On top of being a shaker that makes amazing drinks, you can use it as a mixing or drinking glass,” Sideco said. 

Boston Cocktail Shaker,
Final Touch

A Boston shaker is perfect for thoroughly mixing ingredients and creating chilled cocktails and mocktails. This one is made from commercial grade 304 stainless steel and has dual weighted bases for stability.

6. Hawthorne Strainer

This unique-looking bar tool is used to strain your drink from the shaker, with the coiled spring holding back ice, fruits and any other mix-ins.

“This is the best tool to strain anything. Bonus: If you remove the spiral part, you can use it as a whisk inside your mixing glass to make a thicker egg white foam,” Sideco said. 

Stainless Steel Hawthorne Strainer,
Potion House

This unique Hawthorne strainer has very fine springs, eliminating the need to double-strain. This allows you to keep the desired foamy texture of your cocktails and mocktails without any pulp or herbs. Best of all, this one is dishwasher safe.

7. Fine Mesh Strainer

And just to be sure, you can double strain all your drinks with this important bar tool. Use it to ensure drinks like this Mexican-style Strawberry Passionfruit Margarita Mocktail is as smooth as possible.

“I like to use lots of fresh berries and herbs, so this is a must-have to ensure finished drinks are crisp and clean,” Sideco said. 

Fine Mesh Cocktail Strainer,
BarConic

This popular fine mesh strainer has a convenient hang hook for easy storage. The right woven mesh helps you double strain with ease and prevent small bits of fruit and ice from entering your drink.

8. Torch and Wood Chips

To enhance your home bartending experience, a torch and wood chips will help you effortlessly infuse woody, earthy notes to your drink. Plus, a touch of drama.

“Use a torch to caramelize sugar on the rim of a glass, or add some aroma to the room by burning wood chips or fresh herbs,” Sideco said. 

Smoking Saucer Set, with Torch,
Spirits with Smoke

This ultimate smoking saucer starter kit allows you to smoke up to 300 cocktails. It also includes three unique spirit-infused wood chip flavours (Bourbon Barrel, Cabernet Sauvignon Barrel and Spicy Hickory), a recipe booklet, orange slice garnishes and more.

9. Bar Towel or Mat

More important than some realize, a good bar towel or mat will ensure your work space remains clean and sanitary.

“Either one of these is good to have. They keep your bar tidy and help you address spills immediately. I like to use my vintage La Cage Aux Sports bar towel,” Sideco said. 

Sunrise Mountains Bar Towel,
Geometry

Made from a tightly-woven Geoweave™ fabric, this bar towel is ultra-absorbent, quick-drying and doesn’t wrinkles. The sewn-in loop also makes it easy to hang up and dry or store anywhere.

10. Saline Solution

Balance or enhance the flavour profiles of all your cocktails and mocktails with this underrated item. Use it to craft complex drinks like this spicy Ginger Smash Cocktail.

“This is the [mixologist’s] equivalent of a chef’s finishing salt. Salt forces your taste buds to open and experience the flavours on a whole new level,” Sideco said. 

Difford’s Saline Solution,
Difford’s Shop

This sea salt-infused saline solution is made from Maldon salt and spring water. If you want to craft more complex cocktails and explore different flavour profiles, this is an essential addition to your bartending kit.

11. Lemons, Olives and Rosemary

Make sure you nail the presentation of your drinks with versatile garnishes like beautiful dried lemon wheels, funky olives and aromatic rosemary.

“[These are] great to garnish with. Use them to finish, or burn them with a torch to create a ‘wow’ effect,” Sideco said. 

Dehydrated Lemon Wheels,
Cocktail Emporium

These dehydrated lemon wheels carry a light lemon flavour and act as a beautiful garnish on your glass. These were thinly sliced at the height of their ripeness and dehydrated for a long shelf life.

Smoked Gourmet Olive Mix,
FUME-eh

This delicious jar includes a Mediterranean blend of olives, with Castelvetranos and Cerignolas varietals. These have been lightly smoked and jarred in a mild salt brine, making it perfect for martinis and charcuterie boards alike.

Organic Rosemary,
Gathering Place Trading

Certified organic, this rosemary is sourced from small-scale family farms in Greece and a cooperative in Spain. This is naturally-dried and bursting with essential oils, making it perfect for your drinks and seasoning vegetables, meats and breads.